Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30, 2020
Issue No. 343
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A Sportscaster's memories |
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Left, KNBR's program director Bob Agnew; KCBS's sports
broadcaster Steve Bitker
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Bringing KNBR into my life
By Bruce Macgowan
Bruce Macgowan, Bogey, wife Colette and daughter Molly
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Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book later this year. Below is an excerpt which covers his early years and how he came to be hired at radio station KNBR 680 AM, where he would spend 18 years.
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“MA-GO-WANNNN! Remember, no one cares about the Twins and Angels here in the Bay Area! You gotta keep those updates light, tight and bright!
LTB! Remember, LTB!” (KNBR program director Bob Agnew talking to Bruce Macgowan in the hall outside the main studio on an summer
afternoon back in 1991. "LTB" stood for "Light, Tight and Bright!")
Trying to recount 18 years of working at THE Sports Leader is like being a glutton at a buffet table. Too many things to talk about but not enough time!
Let me start by saying that the time spent at KNBR 680 AM, in my hometown of San Francisco, was without a doubt the BEST stretch in my 45 years of working in the media.
A good place to start would be the personalities who made up this unique station. The 50,000 watt AM outfit had always been a force in the Bay Area, going as far back as the 1920s.
In the 1970s and most of the 80s, KNBR was one of the more stable operations in Northern California. Owned by network giant NBC, the station was a mix of music, talk, sports and news and was mainly driven by distinctive personalities, such as morning guys Frank Dill and Mike Cleary. KNBR also carried the Oakland Raiders, Golden State Warriors and most importantly, the San Francisco Giants. KNBR has been the Giants’ flagship station for over 40 years.
In 1989 NBC sold off most of its radio properties and a smaller, ‘boutique’ radio outfit, Susquehenna/Pfallzgraff, a bone china company out of western Pennsylvania, bought KNBR and its FM affiliate, KFOG, as well as about three dozen other large and medium market stations around the country.
After the sale, KNBR’s new management decided do something radical. They followed the example of radio station WFAN in New York, the first ‘all sports’ station in the country. They decided to go with a heavy accent on sports, with five-six key hours of Drive Time and evening listening which consisted of two shows devoted to sports; ‘Sportspage 68’ from 4-7pm and then from 7 to 10pm, or post-Giants or post-Warriors until midnight on the nights those teams’ games were being carried KNBR.
Having done a lot of freelance work out of the Bay Area for WFAN when it began its new format in 1987, most of their talk show guys and producers were really happy for me when I hooked up with KNBR.
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Macgowan would call KNBR 680 AM his home for 18 years
I found out about a job doing afternoon sports updates at KNBR from a professional acquaintance of mine, KNBR newsman Steve Bitker. Bitker, who was newly married and had just starting a family, had been working as a reporter in the KNBR news department. Bitker loved sports, especially baseball.
One of the smartest and best radio reporters I know, Bitker was the perfect fit when new program director Bob Agnew moved him from news to the mornings where he did the sports updates on the popular Frank and Mike Show.
Steve phoned me at home and told me to contact Bob Agnew immediately. Agnew and I had crossed paths a few times. Back in 1974-75 I was just getting started in radio and Bob was interning and being groomed for an assistant program director’s job at KCBS. We would run into each other frequently at Warriors games, as Bob was helping KCBS sports by getting postgame interviews from the locker rooms. We were both just kids in our early 20s and we had some interesting conversations about sports and radio.
Bob and I also presented quite a contrast as far as appearances went. Bob was well groomed, clean cut, and always wore a sports coat and a tie. I, on the other hand, was always casually dressed, had longish hair and a beard. Bob short and aggressive. I was tall and laid back. But we both had a passion for radio.
Six years later, after returning home from New York City, I applied for a weekend news anchor job at KCBS and it was Bob who interviewed me.
Because I had been doing sports, I really was not qualified to do major market radio news, but at the time I needed full time job. I was only doing a little freelance work and some teaching at a broadcast school in San Francisco. The news job, as expected, went to someone else but I kept in touch with Agnew over the years.
By the time we talked in person again, I had built up a strong group of radio stations and networks and TV outfits for whom I was freelancing. These included Mutual Radio, CBC in Canada, RKO Radio, the Associated Press Radio Network and NBC, plus local radio stations KSFO, KEST, KGO in San Francisco and KICU-TV in San Jose, as well as KFCB TV 42 in Concord. I had hosted a half hour sports interview show at the Concord TV station and paid for the airtime by selling, producing and voicing the commercials that ran on the program.
After calling KNBR, I made an appointment to sit down with Bob Agnew and talk about a full time position. Bob was sitting at his desk. He was wearing a white dress shirt rolled up to his sleeves, his tie was loosened and he had a bunch of papers organized on his desk.
“Nice to see you again Bruce, after all of these years. How are you doing?” he asked.
We got right down to business.
“We would like to hire you to do our afternoon sports. How soon can you start working for us?”
Seriously, it was that short and sweet of a conversation.
I was kind of shocked and then asked him what the hours would be as well as the salary and the benefits. They all sounded pretty fair but having done freelance work now for almost seven years, I was really getting used to the informal and flexible routine that allowed me to take time off when I needed it. I was not required to go into an office during the day. The ballparks and stadiums and arenas of the local pro and college teams of the Bay Area were my ‘offices’ and I really did not want that to change. Plus I loved having free time on weekday afternoons to surf and hike in the area.
Nonetheless, I was flattered and asked Bob, “How soon do you need to know?”
“Now, if possible.”
I hesitated but then realized that this was the first time I had actually ever been offered a full time radio sports job in my hometown. I was 36 years old, had already spent 7 of my 14 years in the profession freelancing after moving all over the country. Having some stability after years of having to hustle could not hurt. Plus I had always wanted to work in the sports media in the Bay Area since I was kid.
So I simply said, “OK.”
“Great!” replied Bob while beaming. “Here are some papers you need to go over, sign them and give them back to me and I’ll get them to our HR person right away. We’ll see you at 1 pm on Monday?
Thus my 18-year KNBR career began...
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Sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been in the media world for over 45 years, starting in Eureka (CA), Portland and Seattle. Assignments drew him to New York City and also back to the Bay Area, where he spent 18 years with KNBR 680 AM. Other assignments have included NBC Sports Bay Area, KGO and KCBS radio. Bruce is now working on a book which will give fans a special look at some of the great Bay Area teams over the last 40 years and the athletes and games he's covered.
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Letters to the Editor
Ultra-talented USG contributor Andy Dolich submitted an article last week which chronicled family member Jonathan Livingston Seagull’s early years high above the Oakland Coliseum and updated Jonathan's preferences of Bay Area sporting venues. Aware of Mr. Dolich's fan base, it was no surprise our mailbox filled up with appreciative comments. Here are several. (To enjoy Jonathan's far-flung family report again, click here.)
Andy,
Without a doubt you are still the funniest person I know. I recently finished reading John Bolton's book and this column that you created is proof that you are the United States' No. 1 Good Humor man.
Jerry Bittman
Nebraska
Andy,
Each Monday I look forward to the Ultimate Sports Guide's journal and once again I have been entertained.
What a clever overview of the Gull's perspective of life at the Coliseum. Loved it! While flying around and landing when and where they darn well pleased they did have a permanent place of which they didn't have to pay one single cent. They owned the place. Here's to a standing ovation.
They are ones to watch now and during the playoffs... and the team is on fire... like the weather. Keep 'em coming...terrific read.
Doris Messina, Realtor
Former Director of Season Ticket Sales
Oakland Athletics
Andy,
I truly enjoyed this as a veteran of the Gulls and because I know where most of them come from originally. I have a large collection of the Seagulls on both sides of the Bay. In San Francisco the best results for scattering them is when the PA system plays loud clapping. It only causes the Gulls to swing out over the McCovey Cove area and then fly back within several minutes. In Oakland, with the smaller crowds and the third deck mostly empty, the use of the fake hawks has worked fairly well. Nevertheless, you still have enough skeptical Gulls to come in anyway.
Steven Eigenberg
Oakland
Editor
It is always a pleasure to take a break and read your paper – I need a break! Everybody is overloaded with the virus and the weather, the fires, etc… What a world we have these days! My only pleasure is being outside. However, I can’t even do that with the smoke, etc. I just go back to cooking for people who help me and that’s my only thing but your paper comes and it helps a bit and I appreciate it so much. Take care of yourself and “Carpe Diem”!
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore
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San Francisco Giants 6,
Arizona Diamondbacks 1
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The Giants super star in the making, catcher Joey Bart has not disappointed in his first trip to the Bigs since being called up to start Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Bart has taken command of the catching chores in flawless fashion and has even delivered acrobatic foul ball catches for outs.
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Veteran first baseman Brandon Belt has turned his opening season woes around, raising his average and delivering much needed power to the offense. On Sunday Belt went three-for-three, added a double, drove in two runs and raised his average to .274. Photo by Rich Yee.
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The San Francisco Giants celebrate the game's end and another victory, extending their campaign win streak to a record six games. Next up are the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, in for a three-game series which begins on Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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San Francisco Giants 5,
Arizona Diamondbacks 1
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San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Anderson recorded the first complete game of his career, limiting the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on three hits in the Giants' 5-1 victory at Oracle Park on Saturday, Aug. 22.
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San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tyler Anderson (31) warms-up in the bullpen as Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) warms-up before the game at Oracle Park. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Top prospect Joey Bart pinch-hit in the seventh inning, hitting a double off the top of the center field wall. Bart has collected a double in each of his first three MLB games. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
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Odds to win the 2020 World Series |
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San Francisco Giants -- 300/1 |
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Oakland Athletics -- 30/1 |
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For Your Handy Use
2020 San Francisco Giants Schedule
2020 Oakland A's Schedule
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Will Clark, Special Assistant | Player Development, San Francisco Giants
Longtime Giants icon Will Clark joined the Giants front office in January 2009. In his role, the six-time All-Star first baseman represents the organization at various in-season and off-season community events in San Francisco. He also attends the Giants Spring Training Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona and visits one of the Giants' minor league teams each year. Clark, who brings the experience of a 15-year Major League playing career to the Giants, previously worked as an advisor to the Arizona Diamondbacks' coaching staff in spring training from 2004-2008. Drafted by the Giants in the first round (second overall pick) of the 1985 June draft, Clark spent his first eight big league seasons in a San Francisco uniform, compiling a .299 batting average with 176 home runs and 709 RBI in 1,160 games. One of the best clutch hitters of his time, Clark hit over .300 on 10 occasions. One of the premier first basemen in the National League during his time with San Francisco, Clark was also an outstanding defensive player, winning a Rawlings Gold Glove in 1991. (Text courtesy MLB Advanced Media.)
Photo by Kenny Karst.
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I was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers after graduating from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, but decided to attend Stanford University. I set career highs in home runs (27) and RBI (88) with the Oakland Athletics in 2018.
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most happy fellow,
there are blues you get from loneliness,
there are blues you get from pain,
there are blues when you're lonely for your one and only,
the blues you can never explain.
there are blues of course in music.
but the blues that mash me plenty,
are the boo-hoos to not see the great a's this 2020.
a curse in baseball that began
with last year's 7 game world series,
where every game was won by the road team
go explain
-- Arnie Passman
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The BEST Bay Area sports photos from
Michael Zagaris, Ed Jay, Rich Yee, Darren Yamashita,
Ron Sellers, Alex Ho, Rob Edwards, Kenneth Wong,
Timothy Reynolds and Larry Rosa
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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What was used as a hoop when basketball first got off the ground?
Many know the first hoops in basketball were peach baskets mounted on a
10-foot pole. "Interestingly, the original peach baskets did not have their bottoms knocked out, so whenever someone would get the soccer ball in the basket, the game would be temporarily paused while someone climbed a ladder to retrieve the ball. This obviously soon became annoying, so a hole was put in the bottom of the basket. Bizarrely, when they put this hole in the basket, they did not initially think to knock out the entire bottom and instead still had to use a long wooden dowel to poke the soccer ball out of the basket, which was at least less annoying than needing to climb a ladder." ~https://bit.ly/34twiw2
Let me know if you find the score of the first organized basketball game.
My bet is it was low scoring.
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"It's an ocean planet. As the oceans go, so goes the planet."
-- Bill Carvalho, Wild Planet founder and president
Wild Planet Foods has been honored with TWO awards by Whole Foods Market -- Global Supplier of the Year AND Environmental Stewardship! The annual awards recognize suppliers who embody Whole Foods Market's mission and values through a proven commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, organic integrity, innovation,
and partnership.
More Awards and Counting!
Prevention -- 100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards
Men's Health -- 125 Best Foods for Men
Prevention -- Eat Clean Best Packaged Foods
Every Day with Rachael Ray -- Brand New Buy
Better Homes and Gardens -- Catch of the Day
Clean Eating -- Clean Choice Awards
Natural Health -- 3rd Annual Good Food Awards
Runner's World -- Good Catch
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Jockey Santos Rivera wins his third race of the day aboard Justa Poppin going 5 furlongs on the turf with a time of :57.18. Trained by Tim McCanna.
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Earthquakes Transfer Magnus Eriksson to Djurgardens
Eriksson re-joins former team in his native Sweden
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San Jose, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced that the club has transferred midfielder Magnus Eriksson to Sweden's Djurgardens IF for
an undisclosed fee.
"When Magnus arrived from Djurgardens in 2018, he had left a lasting impression in Sweden," said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. "After two and a half years with us, we feel he has done the same as he now returns home to be closer to his family. As we look back, we realize we learned a lot about ourselves during his time with the club. Together we grew in confidence, courage and tenacity as a team and Magnus had a big part in that. Thank you, tack själv, Magnus!"
Eriksson, 30, joined the Quakes ahead of the 2018 MLS season. He has since started 66 of the team's 73 regular season matches, making 69 total appearances. Eriksson tallied 13 goals and 14 assists in MLS play, while
co-leading the club with three goals during the MLS is Back Tournament.
Eriksson previously competed for Djurgardens from June 2016 to December 2017 and was a finalist for the Swedish Superettan's Most Valuable Player award during that time.
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Ricky's Sports Bar --
GoFundMe page established to help
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SAN LEANDRO (CBS SF) — A well-known San Leandro sports bar may have to close after 74 years because of the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic on business, the bar’s owners said last week. Financial struggles could shut down Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill at 15028 Hesperian Blvd., which has been
open since 1946.
“Nobody wants to be in this spot,” owner Tina Ricardo said in an interview.
“I hope to get it back open.”
Ricky's has been closed during the shelter-in-place order and still has bills to pay, wrote supporter Dr. Robert Gingery, a vascular surgeon, on a GoFundMe page to raise money for the bar. Gingery is friends with the owners,
Tina and Ricky Ricardo.
To help this valuable and venerable community treasure, please visit the GoFundMe page: Save Ricky’s Sports Bar organized by Robert Gingery
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Missing in Action --
World Dog Surfing Championships
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Last August the World Dog Surfing Champions took place at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, where everyone was a winner. Like many cherished events in our lives, it is presently on hold. Here are several photos and why we can't wait for its return! Photo by Rich Yee.
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Who Am I?
Oakland A's outfielder
Stephen Piscotty
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The St. Louis Cardinals selected Stephen Piscotty in the first round of the 2012 draft with the 36th overall selection and signed him with a $1.4 million bonus. In 2016 he received the rare distinction of being hit by a ball three times in one AB, which included a bruised head. While at bat, he was hit by a pitch near the right elbow. Piscotty then hustled to second on a wild pitch, only to be struck on the left elbow by the catcher's throw. After a bobbled-ball error in the infield, giving him an opportunity to take the extra base, he sprinted home. The second baseman's throw hit him in the left side of his head as he slid in 'safe at home,' sustaining a contusion. Teammate Adam Wainwright said afterwards, "Probably the roughest turn around the bases I've ever seen." In December of 2017, the Cardinals traded Piscotty to the Oakland A's. The trade came at the request of Piscotty who wished to be closer to his mother, Gretchen, who was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She would pass away on May 6, 2018.
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Win Once in a Lifetime Raiders Football Cleats! |
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Imagine Having Your Very Own Raiders Football Cleats. Enter the SportStars NOW app & Social Media Giveaway Today!
Download the FREE "SportStars NOW" App. Users have a shot at winning brand new Raiders Cleats provided to our buddies at Strapemup Sports before the team left for Las Vegas.
You can enter to win Raiders cleats in a couple different ways. FIRST download the app for either Apple or Android and enter! Then
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The 2019 Fall/Winter edition of the Ultimate Sports Guide, a San Francisco Bay Area sports reference publication published twice a year for avid Bay Area and Northern California sports fans, is in the house. The Ultimate Sports Guide is distributed free of charge or may be ordered via subscription. Each seasonal edition provides professional and collegiate team coverage through commentary, photo essays and player profiles. To order, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net or send $5 to: Ultimate Sports Guide,
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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WEEKLY SPORTS CALENDAR
Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30, 2020
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Games for most major and minor league sports, including collegiate and high school teams,
have been cancelled.
Monday, August 24
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25
San Francisco Giants v. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26
San Francisco Giants v. Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:45 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 5:05 p.m.
Thursday, August 27
San Francisco Giants v. Los Angeles Dodgers, 5:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Texas Rangers, 3:07 p.m.
Friday, August 28
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 6:10 p.m.
Saturday, August 29
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 4:10 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
San Francisco Giants @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 1:10 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Houston Astros, 11:10 a.m.
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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Need a website designed or tuned up?
We can help!
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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Join Us As A Sponsor!
Economical and rewarding.
Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net
or call (510) 845-2035
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The vast majority of student-athletes dreaming of athletic stardom won't make it to the pros. Yet, the discipline and skills they've developed while balancing a sport and academics make them ideally suited for satisfying careers elsewhere. In 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro, the authors draw on personal experience, interviews, expert opinion, and industry data to provide a game plan for student-athletes through key transitions at each stage of their careers, from high school through college and beyond. Modeled on Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this book provides a much-needed strategy for achieving career success. Readable and concise, it will be a valuable tool for students, parents, and sports administrators. To order, click here.
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-845-2035
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst, now retired. Mr. Karst continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
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